Ducati Trioptions Cup Ambassador
Prior to his current Ambassador role with Ducati, Steve was approached by KTM UK at the beginning of 2015 requesting his services to help promote a new race series tempting youngsters into racing at British Championship level. The Santander Consumer Finance KTM British Junior Cup was born with 13-18 year old kids competing at BSB with live TV coverage in a one make series all on the same Metzeler tyres.
KTM RC390 machines were supplied race-prepped, strict rules keeping all machines the same power, one-make tyre with great prizes including the championship winner and one other the chance to showcase themselves at the famous RedBull Rookies annual shootout in Spain. Whilst promoting the KTM road bike brand we gave young British talent the opportunity at BSB level with live TV a great platform to further their careers from a very young age.
The Ducati TriOptions Cup has been a great support series to the BSB championship for a number of years now with a large entry and great racing all on the same standard Ducati with Pirelli tyres.
2017 will see the older 899 machines competing against the all new 959 Panigale, the flagship for the majority of the grid. Over fifty riders have signed up for the 2017 Ducati TriOptions Cup giving the championship great depth of field, in all eight events riders having one free practice, one qualifying session and two races towards championship points.
My involvement is to oversee the whole weekend, brief all teams and competitors in Ducati hospitality, give advice on any part of a riders weekend to make sure they're competitive, and most of all happy!
I work alongside Technical Control to ensure all regulations are adhered to, partake in podium presentations, live commentary at the circuit and supply Eurosport commentators with all the required information.
Best of all I get a company Ducati to travel to all the events, racing, airports, appearances etc!
My first job was to test the KTM RC390 Cup bike with a range of tyres before announcing the Championship partner, Metzeler. Next were PR activities with video blogs, shows and social media to attract the youngsters. Then testing, giving the kids chance to sample their new race KTM RC390's, some being complete beginners.
During race weekends preparing all schedules, briefings, coaching, TV commentary and podium presentations and helping the youngsters not only to be fast, with set-up, PR, personal sponsors and for some advising on their future.
The KTM RC390 Cup operates in many different countries, the end of each season we have the World round, with the top five from each championship racing together, helping the youngsters experience another circuit, for most overseas with different cultures and competitors. This annual event always produces great racing and for me the chance to oversee, interview and commentate big names of the future.
KTM RC390 Cup Ambassador